Indictment of Demetrius Blackwell in killing of NYPD Officer Brian Moore expected by June 11, Queens ADA says
Demetrius Blackwell, right, appears in Queens Criminal Court for his arraignment on Sunday, May 3, 2015, after being charged in the shooting of NYPD Officer Brian Moore, 25, of Massapequa. Credit: NYPD / AP
With a plea deal unlikely, Queens prosecutors indicated Wednesday that they expect a grand jury to indict Demetrius Blackwell by June 11 for the killing of NYPD Officer Brian Moore.
During a brief session in Queens state Supreme Court, Dan Saunders, deputy executive assistant district attorney, told Judge Michelle Armstrong plea negotiations hadn't been productive and that an indictment was expected by the June date.
Blackwell was not in court. Outside the courtroom, defense attorney David Bart said the defendant wouldn't be exercising his right to testify before the grand jury. A law enforcement official cautioned that Blackwell could again waive his right to a speedy indictment, giving prosecutors more time to investigate.
Blackwell, 35, was arrested in Moore's shooting May 2 while the officer and a partner were in plainclothes in an unmarked police vehicle in Queens Village.
Investigators said the cops saw Blackwell adjust what appeared to be a gun in his waistband and attempted to stop him. Blackwell then fired, shooting Moore in the head.
Blackwell is being held without bail and Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said he is pursuing first-degree murder and other charges.
Moore, 25, who lived in Massapequa, was posthumously promoted to detective at his funeral by Police Commissioner William Bratton.
Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.
